…Acting on Alleged Orders of a Former Chief of Naval Staff
By Joseph Odok
The gallantry of a soldier should be in the battle field not affront to constituted authority in a democracy, this is the reason why democracy is preferred to military dictatorship in Nigeria today.
A public servant must respect institutional process of addressing issues, the military uniform does not represent a person but an institution. Wike, as a public figure, should have known that it is not just about a soldier out there; it’s about the office he holds and the institution he represents.
It is bad optics for Wike more than the Soldier especially now that most people want him down politically. More so actions of Wike should not always be seen to be bringing public embarrassment to this government that has so many battles yet unresolved
The military uniform is a symbol of discipline and respect for the institution, and it’s not a platform for personal agendas. The soldier’s actions were unacceptable, no one is above the law no matter how well placed, not even being a military Chief
Democracy and it’s process must be respected by all. The President, Governor, Minister, Legislator, judicial persons and citizens must respect all our democratic institutions. Failure to respect institutions will bring public embarrassment to us as a country and as individuals. As Nigerians we are facing too much to keep ridiculing ourselves to a global world
Odok PhD Esq, is a teacher with the University of Calabar.
